‘Easily,’ said Kargrin, with a shrug. ‘The Governor’s story is that rebels have seized the Palace and killed the King. The Trained Bands have surrounded the Palace. It’s not quite a siege, not yet, but no one can come out. They’re emplacing war engines now on Coiner’s Hill, bolt-throwers, to shoot down Paperwings, though that will take some hours yet; and several galleys of the Eastern Company are standing off the Palace sea gate. All very well organised, as you would expect from Kilp.

‘Of course, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for the King’s obstinance. If Orrikan would just show himself on the city side of the wall Kilp’s nonsense would be obvious to all, and I’m sure there are loyal Guildmembers who would turn on Kilp. But the King won’t do it. He keeps muttering about letting all the poison out, to only hasten Tathiel’s reappearance.’

‘But does anyone … Do the people believe that the King is dead?’

‘They don’t know he’s not,’ said Kargrin. ‘Which is probably more to the point. He has been so absent these last few years that most of the people accept that Kilp is the power in the land, whether they like it or –’

Three quick knocks sounded on the door at the top of the steps, followed by two more.

‘Ah, all-clear. Let us go up. Follow me.’

Clariel noted that despite the signal knocks, Kargrin went warily, and she saw the glimmer of Charter marks held in his right hand, some spell that was already partially formed, needing only a master mark to complete it. But the door opened easily, and the innkeeper on the other side led them along a corridor, through a clean and airy kitchen and into a common room that looked snug and prosperous, despite its currently empty benches and tables and dearth of customers.

‘Told the regulars my wife’s sick and I’m feeling ill myself,’ said the innkeeper. ‘She’s enjoying playing the part. Gone to bed. I’ll join her in a minute.’

He indicated the bay window, which had heavy winter drapes of dark, coarse fabric drawn across it.

‘Just twitch the curtain aside, you’ll get a good view,’ he said. ‘And if you don’t mind, when you do go, take the side door I showed you, please, Magister.’

‘We will,’ said Kargrin. ‘Thank you, Jezep.’

‘Honour to serve,’ said Jezep. ‘May the Charter be with you.’

He bowed, and left. Clariel heard his heavy footsteps going upstairs to join his wife. She hoped that he would be able to claim ignorance and innocence if … or when … Kilp’s people came looking for their escaped prisoner.

Kargrin went to the window, knelt down and gently lifted a tiny corner of the curtain. Sunlight came through this spy hole, the soft light of early morning.